Overflow teeth removed, how can I replace?

[MarineGirl411]

Hi,
I didn't really know how to address this in the subject line. I am going to be getting a used aquarium. The previous owner cut out the overflow teeth. :( Can anyone think of a way for me to put them back in? I thought of possibly cutting new teeth out of black acrylic and using that acrylic cement to glue it back together. Oh man, I can't remember the name of it. Ohh WELDON! Just wondering if anyone had any ideas? Here is a picture of it before the teeth were cut out http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p248/GinaM411/dreamtank.jpg perfect right??? I love it.

Here it is with the teeth cut http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p248/GinaM411/IMG_3304.jpg

Ideas? Thoughts? TY

[nikon187]

egg crate?

[MarineGirl411]

Yah, but I still want it to look good. I don't like having eggcrate in my tank. =( I'm really picky.

[HaywoodJafragit]

Boy, that was dumb, why in the heck would the previous owner saw the return's teeth? who knows.

Anyway, yes, if you have patience and a router you can fabricate it using black acrylic (or find a local plastic shop that will make it for you, cannot be that expensive), then glue it to the back wall with weld-on.

[whitleyjb]

You can use a black mesh, similar to what some overflow boxes use.

You can also replace the whole box if it is siliconed on and not welded.

[crvz]

I'd get some mesh, also. Probably the easiest solution and you can get it in black (or something finer like plastic window screening material). The other option is to get some black acrylic, cut some teeth, and fix it in place. Considerably more effort, but it could be done.

[Rendos]

They probably cut the teeth out to get better flow through the overflow.
Get some gutter guard from Lowe's or HD and zip tie it across where the teeth used to be. Works great!

[barclayrl]

gutter guard should work.. many all glass users replace the teeth in megaflows with it... Do a search.

[widmer]

I bought plastic forks, sheard them clean off below where the teeth join with a dremel tool, and superglued them on in a row. It actually looks really good.

Edit: I used clear forks, you could probably get them in other colors PRN

[MarineGirl411]

They did do it to get better flow into the overflow. I don't like the way it looks though. He suggested gutter gaurd. But won't that look ghetto? I don't want it to look ghetto. I want something nice. Plus it is a look down tank. It's pretty short. 100 gallons, but the stand is very short so I want it to look the best it can.

[Logzor]

At member of our reef club said that it is better to not have teeth because you get more linear flow out of the overflow. Teeth cut your linear flow in half.

[MarineGirl411]

but i thought that a person is not supposed to have much flow through their sump? I'd like to see members with gutter gaurd. I can't do a search because I am not a premium member.

[dazed]

I went through a dilemma similar to this when i had an external overflow added to my tank here is what i used and i think it will work perfectly for what you need it's a bit pricey for what it is but it will save allot of time, no need for a router and template just make sure to order enough to cover the length that you need as it only comes in 12" lengths:
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=90

Easy to install looks very nice when finished and as an added bonus the teeth are removable for cleaning. I simply used some superglue to attach the bottom tray at the height i wanted and done; the teeth pull out real easy and can be soaked for cleaning.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd15/dazedbyday/fish%20tank/IMG_0854Medium.jpg

[widmer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13039339#post13039339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Logzor
At member of our reef club said that it is better to not have teeth because you get more linear flow out of the overflow. Teeth cut your linear flow in half.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but having teeth in your overflow will not affect the rate that the water overflows. It's important to have teeth so that you don't get plugged up with snails etc.

[Rob_Zamites]

+1 on the gutter guard, also, some DIY stores have black eggcrate too -- barring that, Krylon Fusion for Plastic is reef safe, paint the white stuff.

[MarineGirl411]

perfect dazed. thank you so much!!!

[dazed]

Your welcome glad i could help.

[widmer]

Lol so that's a no-go on the plastic forks then? I promise it looks better than it sounds but i don't blame you lol...

[MarineGirl411]

lol. Show me the pictures of the forks. I just cannot picture that.

[MarineGirl411]

Thank you as well rob. I'd love to see some pictures of it done. LMK. Gina

[Rendos]

Overflow without the gutter guard...and no teeth...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/99294076_N6K99-L.jpg

With gutter guard installed...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/99294077_2Likr-L.jpg

And this is how it stays in place...this picture is inside the overflow box...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/99294078_wxyPh-L.jpg

[Saltz Creep]

What really looks best are low-profile teeth (difficult to see.) I saw a tank where the reefer used cut titanium bicycle spokes. He inserted them into the rim of the plastic overflow by heating the peices with a torch.

[RicksReefs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13039830#post13039830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by widmer
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but having teeth in your overflow will not affect the rate that the water overflows. It's important to have teeth so that you don't get plugged up with snails etc.

with teeth, you have to make the slots deeper to accomodate the same water flow, so your pulling water from under the surface. with a flat weir, your only pulling surface water, so it pulls and skims the surface further away.
a properly functioning pool skimmer (overflow box) will pull bugs and crud in from over 20 feet away.
we put teeth in to keep the critters out but it does affect performance.